Police crack down on firebugs

Crime authorities are keeping a close eye on reckless behaviour that could spark bushfires this summer.

Police are running Operation Firesetter until April to investigate arson cases and suspicious activity, with Crime Stoppers asking the community to stay aware of any suspicious fire activity this summer.

Superintendent Paul Naylor says there was a 37 per cent jump in arson-related bushfires in 2012-'13 compared to the previous financial year.

"The 2012, 2013 bushfire season across Victoria there were around 4,400 bushfires and three-quarters of those bushfires were either deliberately lit or caused by recklessness that could've been prevented," he said.